Recruiting: Michigan State commits from Illinois shine at camp

May 9, 2013

Written by

Matt Dorsey

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

Last weekend, Rivals.com held their final camp series in Chicago, sponsored by Under Armour, and attracted top football prospects from around the Midwest. All three future Spartans, who are from the state of Illinois, took part in the event — Chicago Mt. Carmel defensive lineman Enoch Smith Jr., Hinsdale center Brian Allen and St. Charles North offensive tackle Chase Gianacakos.

The 6-foot23, 272-pound Smith was one of the most impressive players out of the over 200 recruits there.

“The Michigan State commit might have been at the top of the eyeball list,” Rivals.com said of Smith. “He looked the part upon his arrival and going through drills, one could see his explosiveness and quickness. In one-on-ones, he was able to do some good work winning the majority of his reps. His feet were there and when he did get sloppy with his hands and technique, he was able to overcome with his strength.”

Allen (6-1, 285 pounds) was able to showcase his skills against defensive lineman that are headed to schools such as Ohio State and Wisconsin. He got the best of those players in most of his one-on-one matchups and was selected a top performer.

“Allen is a true offensive center prospect, and he is headed to Michigan State to play that role in college,” Rivals Midwest analyst Josh Helmholdt said. “Allen’s wrestling background translates to the football field in his ability to gain leverage on defensive linemen. Once Allen anchors he is unmovable, and when he starts getting extension with his arms he will be nearly impossible to get around.”

The third MSU commitment was the 6-5, 287-pound Gianacakos. While he was not selected as a top performer, he did display the skills that made him a early offer prospect for the Spartans.

Gianacakos showed very good footwork and he has a frame that will easily allow him to carry over 300 pounds in college. His ability to take instruction from the staff and incorporate it on the field was impressive. The Spartans definitely got a player they can develop into a quality Big Ten offensive tackle.

Between Smith, Allen and Gianacakos, MSU has over 800 pounds of talent coming to East Lansing. If winning games begins in the trenches, MSU is off to a strong start for 2014.

Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.